Yemen Militants Blow up Gas Pipeline in South

Yemeni local officials said Friday that attackers have blown up a gas pipeline in the south, stopping the country's export of gas.

The officials said the attack is the second in less than a month in the southern province of Shabwa. It was not clear who was responsible.

In the previous incident March 30, al-Qaida-linked militants were believed to be behind an attack on the pipeline, which extends to an export terminal on the Arabian Sea. The French company Total runs the gas field and pipeline.

Al-Qaida has made gains in the south, taking advantage of internal political turmoil and a security vacuum. A new government has stepped up its offensives against the militants.